Blue Card Checker
Check for free if you qualify for the EU Blue Card in Germany. Verify salary, profession, and qualifications. No signup needed.
EU Blue Card Germany — Your Path to the Blue Card
The EU Blue Card (§ 18g AufenthG) is the most attractive residence permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. It provides fast access to the German labor market, simplified family reunification, and the shortest path to permanent residence. Since the reform in November 2023, significantly lower salary thresholds and expanded occupation groups apply.
Salary Thresholds 2026
Salary limits are adjusted annually and amount to in 2026:
- Standard salary: EUR 45,300 gross/year (general pension insurance contribution ceiling × 50%).
- Shortage occupations (Engpassberufe): EUR 41,041.80 gross/year (45% of the contribution ceiling). Applies to STEM professions, physicians, IT specialists, and ISCO-08 groups 2 and 3.
- Recent graduates: Graduates of German universities within 3 years of graduation: EUR 41,041.80.
- IT specialists without a degree: Possible since 2023 with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience and EUR 41,041.80 salary (§ 18g para. 1 no. 2 AufenthG).
Detailed Requirements
- University degree: Recognized via the anabin database (H+/H+/- rating) or KMK credential evaluation. Alternatively: comparable qualification per § 18g para. 1 no. 2.
- Employment contract: A concrete job offer or employment contract with a German employer.
- Salary: At least the applicable threshold (see above), proven by the employment contract.
- No priority check: Since 2012, no verification is required that a German or EU applicant is available.
Path to Permanent Residence
Blue Card holders receive the Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) under § 18c para. 2 AufenthG especially quickly:
- After 33 months with pension insurance contributions
- After 21 months with B1 German language skills (CEFR)
- Family members receive immediate work authorization (§ 27 para. 5 AufenthG)
Intra-EU Mobility
After 12 months with a Blue Card in one EU member state, you can move to another (short-term mobility: 90 days without approval; long-term: apply in the destination country). Germany recognizes prior residence periods from other EU states (EU Directive 2021/1883).
What Our Blue Card Checker Evaluates
- Qualification: University degree or IT work experience
- Salary: Standard or shortage threshold met?
- Shortage occupation: Is your profession on the positive list?
- Recent graduate status: Degree within the last 3 years?
- Result: Specific § and next steps